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Broken Before Use
Something strange is happening in Maio.
Obin, a Demon Hunter, works hard to keep on top of Maio’s Daynasen (vampire) population. It should be an easy job; one he’s done a thousand times before. Only there is a new strain, identifiable by their hooded cloaks and unmistakeable smell, and it’s making his task feel endless.
Meanwhile his step-father is busy training up Obin’s replacements. Ready for when they’re called on. Because they’re always called on.
So when the urgent call comes in, summoning them to Mary’s Vail, they no longer have the luxury of time. Despite Obin’s protests, the inexperienced Jade is sent out alongside him. But the appearance of the enigmatic Dixon has Obin struggling to control his own worst instincts. If Jade can’t keep up, he’s not sure he’ll be able to keep her safe.
But it’s fine. It’s all fine. After all, demon hunting isn’t work. It’s just a game.
Do you want to play?
Obin, a Demon Hunter, works hard to keep on top of Maio’s Daynasen (vampire) population. It should be an easy job; one he’s done a thousand times before. Only there is a new strain, identifiable by their hooded cloaks and unmistakeable smell, and it’s making his task feel endless.
Meanwhile his step-father is busy training up Obin’s replacements. Ready for when they’re called on. Because they’re always called on.
So when the urgent call comes in, summoning them to Mary’s Vail, they no longer have the luxury of time. Despite Obin’s protests, the inexperienced Jade is sent out alongside him. But the appearance of the enigmatic Dixon has Obin struggling to control his own worst instincts. If Jade can’t keep up, he’s not sure he’ll be able to keep her safe.
But it’s fine. It’s all fine. After all, demon hunting isn’t work. It’s just a game.
Do you want to play?
- GenresHorrorFictionParanormal
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
About the author
Ila Golden
13 books27 followersIla Golden writes at the intersection of the everyday and the extraordinary. Specializing in character-driven magical realism and slice-of-life fiction, Ila’s work—including The Neva Aton Collection and the What Makes Me series—dives deep into the complexities of identity, trauma, and mental health.
As a nonbinary, asexual-spectrum author, Ila is committed to authentic diversity. They craft stories where the plot is a byproduct of human (and sometimes monstrous) choices. Whether exploring the horror-tinged world of The Doll Maker’s Son or the contemporary fantasy of Echoe, their writing balances the weight of real-world struggles with the spark of the supernatural.
Based in a home defined by puzzles and play, Ila shares their life with their partner and two miniature lops, Tempest and Chilchuck. When not writing, they are immersed in escape rooms, walking adventure books, and video games—constantly searching for the next story hidden in the mechanics of life.
If you have enjoyed any of Ila Goldens books please consider leaving a review.
As a nonbinary, asexual-spectrum author, Ila is committed to authentic diversity. They craft stories where the plot is a byproduct of human (and sometimes monstrous) choices. Whether exploring the horror-tinged world of The Doll Maker’s Son or the contemporary fantasy of Echoe, their writing balances the weight of real-world struggles with the spark of the supernatural.
Based in a home defined by puzzles and play, Ila shares their life with their partner and two miniature lops, Tempest and Chilchuck. When not writing, they are immersed in escape rooms, walking adventure books, and video games—constantly searching for the next story hidden in the mechanics of life.
If you have enjoyed any of Ila Goldens books please consider leaving a review.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 21, 2020
This was not my usual genre but I was pleasantly surprised to get caught up in this intriguing tale of feral vampires and their shenanigans! Great job!
February 25, 2023
I loved this story, although not for the reason I thought I would. As I have come to expect, Ms. Golden has woven a compelling tale: a Doll Maker's son raised to find and kill demons, among them vampires and zombies--but they are not the scariest element of this story, not by a long-shot. Rather than say too much about this book, I will just say, read it! I look forward to finding out what awaits Obin in Mary's Vail!
November 25, 2021
The story follows Obin, stepson of a doll-maker and hunter of vampires, zombies and everything in between. As a teenager, he and the other young recruits are still learning much about themselves and what it is in their blood, family or nature which makes them perfect for the task of slaying the undead. But when Obin discovers the feeling of kinship and connection with a powerful, seductive, dangerous individual, will he see past the manipulation? Will his friends be able to save him in time? Will he discover that blood isn't the be all and end all?
A good story. I liked that it was told partly by Obin himself and then taken up by eager recruit, Jade. Unfortunately, I spent half the book thinking the writer was an American having a crack at an English accent, and the other half thinking the writer was a Brit who'd appeal to Americans.
Phrases like the dreaded 'off of', as well as 'inside of' and 'gotten' (which, although semi-Scottish and sometimes Irish, is mostly American) threw me off and the dialogue sounded more American than anything else to my ear. Nothing wrong with any of that, of course, except the story is set in Britain. A fact I deduced from a reference to British weather and the use of UK English spellings.
Sadly, there were a good number of instances of 'then' which should have been 'than', 'you're' that should have been 'your', 'its' for 'it's' and other spelling errors that put me in editing, rather than reading, mode. That and the repetition of 'I rolled my eyes' or 'he rolled his eyes' - all told 68 eye rolls in the piece, as well as the phrase 'train of thoughts' - plural - distracted me from an otherwise solid story.
A good story. I liked that it was told partly by Obin himself and then taken up by eager recruit, Jade. Unfortunately, I spent half the book thinking the writer was an American having a crack at an English accent, and the other half thinking the writer was a Brit who'd appeal to Americans.
Phrases like the dreaded 'off of', as well as 'inside of' and 'gotten' (which, although semi-Scottish and sometimes Irish, is mostly American) threw me off and the dialogue sounded more American than anything else to my ear. Nothing wrong with any of that, of course, except the story is set in Britain. A fact I deduced from a reference to British weather and the use of UK English spellings.
Sadly, there were a good number of instances of 'then' which should have been 'than', 'you're' that should have been 'your', 'its' for 'it's' and other spelling errors that put me in editing, rather than reading, mode. That and the repetition of 'I rolled my eyes' or 'he rolled his eyes' - all told 68 eye rolls in the piece, as well as the phrase 'train of thoughts' - plural - distracted me from an otherwise solid story.
October 24, 2020
My interest in vampire stories started from the movie Twilight and TV show Vampire Diaries. Broken Before Use is the first book that I have read by the author Ila Golden. Story is set in Maio. The story revolves around a teenager Obin Johnson. He is a step-son of James. Obin was trained by his step-father James to learn about the things that may threaten their town and to take them down.
When James and Obin went out at night they met the strange creature Rebecca who is new and has much to learn. Another one is Dixon Blakely. He must be old and powerful and Obin can't take him down alone. So, James wanted to train Jade. Jade is an eighteen years old girl.
James want Jade to be the leader and handle new recruits and and the ferals situation in Maio. So, James and Obin can go to Mary Vail. Read the further story yourself to unveil the suspense.
Language of the book is easy and comfortable. Narration style of the author is remarkable and seems mature. Plot is intriguing. Characterization was stunning. Pace of the story was fine.
Overall it's an interesting story that I recommend highly to my fellow readers.
When James and Obin went out at night they met the strange creature Rebecca who is new and has much to learn. Another one is Dixon Blakely. He must be old and powerful and Obin can't take him down alone. So, James wanted to train Jade. Jade is an eighteen years old girl.
James want Jade to be the leader and handle new recruits and and the ferals situation in Maio. So, James and Obin can go to Mary Vail. Read the further story yourself to unveil the suspense.
Language of the book is easy and comfortable. Narration style of the author is remarkable and seems mature. Plot is intriguing. Characterization was stunning. Pace of the story was fine.
Overall it's an interesting story that I recommend highly to my fellow readers.
October 3, 2020
What I liked most about this story was the way it didn’t dumb anything down for the audience, jumping straight into an existing world and mythology and letting the reader catch up.
The story scratches the surface of realms within a multiverse, the manipulation of time and curses. There were many fantasy creatures including one very interesting combination. It deals with identity and the traits we inherit from our makers. It deals with our darker desires and what we might be capable of. It felt like we were given just a piece of the pie here in book 1, leaving the world open to be explored in the upcoming books. I like to imagine the name ‘Pike’ comes from Christopher Pike, whose vampire books I read in my youth. While I haven’t really kept up with novels about Vampires since then I have been rediscovering fantasy recently.
I like the way characters developed in unexpected ways. I really enjoyed the style of writing in this book and would recommend picking it up before book 2 comes out. It ended really well and I was impressed with the dialogue and writing style.
February 22, 2021
this was a unique story with vampires in it, I really enjoyed that it didn't feel like the typical vampire novel. The characters were great and I enjoyed getting to know them. I look forward to more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
A deliciously dark fantasy.
'Broken Before Use' is a definite page-turner. Golden's world-building and character development are extraordinary. I'm in awe of Golden's writing style. The creation of a multiverse is intriguing and left me wanting to know more. Elements of magic interspaced with differing abilities of the MC's along with vampires and zombie vampires, keep the story flowing. The pace was good, and the suspense was excellent. What awaits Obin in Mary's Vail? We will find out in book two! If you love a great dark fantasy, you should pick this one up.
'Broken Before Use' is a definite page-turner. Golden's world-building and character development are extraordinary. I'm in awe of Golden's writing style. The creation of a multiverse is intriguing and left me wanting to know more. Elements of magic interspaced with differing abilities of the MC's along with vampires and zombie vampires, keep the story flowing. The pace was good, and the suspense was excellent. What awaits Obin in Mary's Vail? We will find out in book two! If you love a great dark fantasy, you should pick this one up.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews